Why should I study Pathway to Policing?
This SACE Stage 2 subject package has been developed to provide a pathway to a career in policing. If you are interested in applying for a role as a police officer, police security officer or community constable with SA Police, then this package can help you to prepare for SA Police’s eligibility criteria and recruitment process, by developing the skills and qualities needed for this rewarding career.
Where does Pathway to Policing lead?
There are many rewarding careers in policing in South Australia. These include police officer careers, police security officer careers, community constable careers, call centre and other careers. Please see www.achievemore.com.au for more information.
What work will I do in Pathway to Policing?
- Activating Identities and Futures (compulsory for SACE completion): you could choose to focus this on your interest in a policing career.
- Essential English: develop your literacy skills to support you in meeting the level required for the SA Police Recruitment Test. You will also develop your communication skills to support you to demonstrate the necessary qualities to succeed in a career as a police officer.
- Workplace Practices: develop your knowledge and understanding of legislation and laws, employability skills and requirements to work in South Australia. Participate in 50-60 hours of relevant work placement.
- Fitness and Wellbeing (Integrated Learning): develop the physical fitness and strength required for the SA Police Recruitment Fitness and Agility Test. You will also explore strategies to support your development of mental, social and emotional health to work successfully in a community service setting, as well as study the social determinants of health and their impact on the community.
- Free choice subject.
There are five SACE Stage 2 subjects in this package:
SA Police are key partners in this program, and provide curriculum support, guest speakers, opportunities for excursions to the Police Academy, police stations and other SAPOL sites.
Students will have the opportunity to visit a range of areas within SAPOL to develop a better understanding of potential pathways and requirements within SAPOL. These experiences will provide their work experience hours for their practical component of Workplace Practices. Experiences include:
- volunteering at the Road Safety School
- learning about the Protective Security Services Branch
- visiting the Police Academy
- learning about the Specialist Areas within SAPOL including, STAR Force, Water Operations, Mounted Operations and Dog Squad
- volunteering as a role player at the Academy
- learning about the Communications Centre and Call Centre
- visiting a Magistrates Court
Fitness and Wellbeing aims to prepare students to be physically and mentally ready for joining the South Australian Police Force. This includes weekly fitness sessions, setting personal challenges, nutrition plans and mental wellbeing goals. Students undertake a Practical Inquiry Task where they are involved in a number of activities, including a three-day camp at Noorla-Yo Long, located 30 minutes south of Mount Gambier, that challenge their ability to work positively as part of a team. Students focus on a number of skills including, teamwork, leadership, communication, self-esteem, lateral thinking, problem solving, positivity and decision making. Students will choose areas of growth to focus on and reflect on their learning.
What do other students think about Pathway to Policing?
I highly recommend the Pathway to Policing program to anyone seeking a career in policing. The program offers an abundance of opportunities throughout the year, with the highlight being the camp experience. Our class has formed strong bonds, and we’ve been supported by exceptional teachers every step of the way. The support from South Australia Police (SAPOL) has been outstanding, providing us with a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of policing. We’ve had the privilege of visiting and learning from diverse units, including mounted, dog squad, STAR, SRS, PSO, water police and PolAir, among others. These experiences have been invaluable in preparing us for a career in SAPOL. If you’re considering a career in policing, I strongly recommend this course – it has opened my eyes to the many aspects of this rewarding profession.
Student, 2024
The Pathway to Policing program has many benefits, such as the extensive support by SAPOL, including visits to different branches, helping cadets at the police academy, and guest speakers sharing their experiences. Another benefit to this program is the support by the teachers, as there is a small class size, there is more time for the teachers to work one-on-one with students to help with class work. Overall, this program is something any year 12 students should look into if they want to pursue a career within SAPOL or gain life experiences year 12s won’t normally get to experience while in school.
Student, 2024
The Pathway to Policing program has many benefits, such as the extensive support by SAPOL, including visits to different branches, helping cadets at the police academy, and guest speakers sharing their experiences. Another benefit to this program is the support by the teachers, as there is a small class size, there is more time for the teachers to work one-on-one with students to help with class work. Overall, this program is something any year 12 students should look into if they want to pursue a career within SAPOL or gain life experiences year 12s won’t normally get to experience while in school.
Student, 2024
The benefits I received through this program include the chance to be able to go on excursions and meet different specialist areas, for example the Dog Squad, Mounted Operations, Water Operations and learning about working as a Protective Security Officer. We were also able to visit the Academy, have a tour of police headquarters and have work experience in a police station. Having a small class is good, as you really get to know everyone and we have become good friends. The excursions and camps have been great for team building, and teaching us lots of new things that can be used later in life.
Student, 2024
Where can I find more information about Pathway to Policing?
For more detail about content and assessment, view the course information:
- Stage 2 (Year 12)